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Urinary Tract
Infection in Women What is a urinary tract
infection? A urinary tract
infection (UTI) is a bacterial inflammation in the urinary tract. If left
untreated, UTI can cause permanent damage to the bladder and kidneys. How does it occur? Urinary tract
infection is the result of bacteria that multiply and spread. These bacteria can
cause:
cystitis (bladder infection)
pyelonephntis (kidney infection)
urethritis (inflammation of the urethra, the tube that drains urine from
the bladder)
urethral syndrome (painful urination without evidence of bacterial
infection in the urine). Bacteria that cause
UTI often spread from the rectum to the urethra and then to the bladder or
kidneys. Urinary tract infection is more common in women because the urethra is
short, making it easy for bacteria to spread. Sometimes bacteria can also spread
from another part of the body through the bloodstream to the urinary tract. The
cause of UTI is not always known. Infections can also
occur in the ureters or kidneys. (The ureters are the tubes that drain urine
from the kidneys to the bladder.) Urinary tract
infection is more likely to occur in women who:
are newly sexually active or have a new sexual partner
are past menopause
are pregnant
have a history of diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, stroke, kidney stones, or
any illness that causes the bladder to be paralyzed or to fail to empty
completely. What are the symptoms? The symptoms of UTI
may include:
pain or discomfort (burning) when urinating
pain in the lower pelvis, stomach, lower back, or side
shaking chills
fever
sweats
nausea and vomiting
frequent need to urinate
leaking of urine (incontinence)
strong-smelling urine
change in amount of urine, either more or less
blood in the urine
pus in the urine
pain during sexual intercourse. How
is it diagnosed? To diagnose a UTI, your
health care provider will review your symptoms and examine you. The exam may
include a pelvic exam. Your provider will check for tenderness of the bladder or
kidney area of your back. A sample of your urine may be tested for bacteria and
pus. For repeated infections
or symptoms that continue after treatment, your health care provider may
suggest:
An intravenous pyelogram (IVP). An IVP is a special type of x-ray of the
kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
An ultrasound scan to look at the urinary tract.
A cystoscopy. This is an exam of the inside of the bladder with a small
telescope. It is usually performed by a specialist called a urologist. How is it treated? UTJs are treated with an antibiotic. For uncomplicated urinary tract
infections you may take a single dose of an antibiotic or you may take the
antibiotic for 3 to 10 days. Take all the medicine your health care provider
prescribes, even after the symptoms go away. If you stop taking your medicine
before the scheduled end of treatment, the infection may come back. Your health care
provider can prescribe a medicine called Pyridium to relieve painful urination while the
antibiotics are treating the infection. (This medicine turns your urine a dark orange color.) If the infection is not
treated, your kidneys may be damaged or the infection may spread to your blood.
If the infection does spread to the blood, it can be fatal. If you have a severe
kidney infection, you will be given IV antibiotics through your veins and you
may have to stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days. How long will the effects
last? Usually the symptoms of
the infection stop in 2 to 3 days. How can I take care of
myself?
Follow your health care providers treatment.
If you have a fever: o
Rest if you have a fever above 100 degrees F (38 degrees C). After your
temperature falls below 100 degrees F (38 degrees C), you may be more active. o
Drink lots of fluids. o
Take aspirin or acetaminophen to control the fever. o
Keep a daily record of your temperature.
A hot water bottle or an electric heating pad on a low setting can help
relieve cramps or lower abdominal or back pain.
Soaking in a tub for 20 to 30 minutes may help relieve any back or
abdominal pain.
If your symptoms continue for 2 or more days, or if you develop new
symptoms, call your health care provider. How can I help prevent a
urinary tract infection? You
can help prevent UTIs if you:
After a bowel movement, wipe yourself from front to back to prevent germs
in the stool from getting near your urethra.
Keep your genital area clean.
Empty your bladder completely when you urinate.
Urinate soon after sexual intercourse.
Wear all-cotton or cotton-crotch underwear and pantyhose.
Dont soak in the bathtub longer than 30 minutes or more often than
twice a day.
Change underwear and pantyhose every day.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid using strong soaps, douches, antiseptic creams, and feminine
hygiene products (sprays, powders) in the genital area. Developed by Phyllis G. Cooper. R N , M N , and McKesson Clinical Reference Systems. Published by McKesson Clinical Reference S stems. This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Adult Health Advisor 2002.2 Index Adult Health Advisor 2002.2 Credits Copyright © 199 1-2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved. |
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